4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
1 h 29 m
Average duration
1 h 29 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
118 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 3 trains that leave Chicago, IL for South Bend, IN on Wed, Jul 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 08 the direct trains cover the 118 km distance in an average of 1 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 29 m .
On Wed, Jul 08 the slowest trains will take 1 h 29 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
448 Lake Shore Limited9:30 PM1h29Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:59 PMSouth Bend Station, South Bend, IN$421One-way0 transfers- 48 Lake Shore Limited9:30 PM1h29Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:59 PMSouth Bend Station, South Bend, IN$491One-way0 transfers
- 41 Floridian6:40 PM1h29Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL9:09 PMSouth Bend Station, South Bend, IN$571One-way0 transfers
- 448 Lake Shore Limited9:30 PM1h29Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:59 PMSouth Bend Station, South Bend, IN$421One-way0 transfers
- 41 Floridian6:40 PM1h29Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL9:09 PMSouth Bend Station, South Bend, IN$571One-way0 transfers
- 48 Lake Shore Limited9:30 PM1h29Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL11:59 PMSouth Bend Station, South Bend, IN$491One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 73 miles (118 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$37 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN costing on average $37 (€30).
Other travel options to South Bend, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 56m.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (1h 30m by train vs 1h 32m by car). Tickets start at around $37 (€30) compared to roughly $36 (€29) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN train times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN trains for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 Floridian | 6:40 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h29 | 9:09 PM South Bend Station, South Bend, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 48 Lake Shore Limited | 9:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h29 | 11:59 PM South Bend Station, South Bend, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 448 Lake Shore Limited | 9:30 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1h29 | 11:59 PM South Bend Station, South Bend, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Jul 08
Jul 09
Jul 10
Jul 11
Jul 12
Jul 13
Jul 14
Jul 15
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Jul 21
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
USAUSA
Trains from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:45, the last at 21:42. The fastest train covers the 73 miles (118 km) distance in 1h 29m.
Distance 73 miles (118 km) |
Average train duration 1h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 29m |
First train 6:45 AM |
Last train 9:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chicago, IL and South Bend, IN from $16 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
The train connection between Chicago, IL and South Bend, IN is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture of both cities. Amtrak provides reliable service on this route, making it easy to enjoy the scenic journey in just about 2 hours. With comfortable seating and onboard amenities, passengers can relax while traveling through picturesque landscapes that connect these two dynamic destinations.
Train Connection: Chicago to South Bend
Traveling from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes. There are 2 direct connections available each day, departing from Union Station in Chicago and arriving at South Bend Station.
Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
The first daily train journey departs from Chicago at 10:50 PM and arrives in South Bend at 11:40 PM. This connection offers a convenient late-night option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture of both cities.
Train Tickets Price for Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Chicago and South Bend is $32 (28.8€). The average ticket price tends to be around $43 (38.7€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in Indiana.
Exploring South Bend: A Journey Through History and Nature
The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842, is a prestigious institution known for its rich history and commitment to academic excellence. Its iconic Golden Dome and the breathtaking Basilica of the Sacred Heart are not just architectural marvels but also symbols of faith and community that draw visitors from around the world. As you stroll through its picturesque campus, you'll discover unique features like Touchdown Jesus—a massive mural that captures both sports enthusiasm and artistic beauty.
The Studebaker National Museum offers an intriguing glimpse into America’s automotive heritage, showcasing vehicles produced by one of the country’s oldest car manufacturers established in 1852. This museum stands out with its impressive collection ranging from horse-drawn wagons to classic cars, highlighting innovations that shaped transportation over decades. Don’t miss their interactive exhibits which allow you to experience firsthand how these remarkable machines transformed American life.
Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana's oldest zoo, opened in 1902; it serves as a vital conservation center while providing educational experiences about wildlife preservation. What makes this zoo truly special is its focus on native species alongside exotic animals—creating a diverse ecosystem right here in South Bend! Be sure to check out their engaging animal encounters where you can learn more about each creature's role within our environment while making unforgettable memories with your family.
FAQs: Trains from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at South Bend, IN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
Most Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN trains use the Union Station to South Bend Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and South Bend, IN train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do trains to South Bend, IN leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Chicago city centre
Union Station is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Lou Mitchell's
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Kimpton Gray Hotel, JW Marriott Chicago, W Chicago - City Center.
Which South Bend, IN station do trains from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to South Bend Station from South Bend city centre
South Bend Station is 3 km from South Bend city centre. Public transport options include:
South Bend Station train station facilities and services
South Bend Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at South Bend Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at South Bend Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at South Bend Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at South Bend Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Aloft South Bend, DoubleTree by Hilton South Bend, Courtyard by Marriott South Bend Downtown.
Most popular train connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from South Bend, IN and Chicago, IL
Most popular train connections to South Bend, IN
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